The No. 2 Auburn equestrian team closed out a successful weekend in Fresno, Calif., as the Tigers defeated No. 6 Kansas State, 7-5, Saturday to go 2-0 on the trip.

“It’s great to start the spring season with two road wins,” Auburn head coach Greg Williams said. “We had straight ties in reining today which I haven’t ever seen in my coaching career. It was great to see them battle it out to secure the overall win. I’m really proud of these girls and excited about where they are going. A special congratulations to our Most Outstanding Players today, Quincy Hayes and Stephanie Rucci.”

Auburn opened the meet on equitation over fences and horsemanship, winning equitation over fences, 4-0, and tying in horsemanship at 2-2 to take a 6-2 lead midway through.

“I think the meet went great today, and right from the beginning we had the mindset to go in there and win,” Hayes said. “We really showed how hard we’ve been practicing by sweeping the fences and that momentum carried over to the rest of the rides. I think this sets us up great for South Carolina in two weeks confidence-wise in one another and in our own ability. It can only get bigger and better from here.”

The Tigers took a nice lead at the break into equitation on the flat and reining. Auburn fell, 3-1, in equitation on the flat, but no points were awarded in reining with each matchup ending in a tie and preserved the overall win.

Auburn’s sole point in equitation on the flat came from Christina Lin with a 78-73 victory, and despite no points being awarded, Rucci picked up her second Most Outstanding Player award of the weekend, this time in reining, with a strong ride that scored a 67.

“The meet went well again today,” Rucci said. “We had some really great rides. Unfortunately the scores only reflected ties in reining, but everyone is really clicking. I think the best part about this meet was our team spirit, and it’s that spirit that will keep our winning streak alive.”

The Tigers return to action on Thursday, Feb. 14, to host No. 1 South Carolina at the Auburn University Horse Center. The meet start time is set for 1 p.m. CT.